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For more than 20 years locals and holidaymakers alike would look out for one of Looe's many attractions.

The harbour will house the sculpture

Nelson the famous one-eyed seal made the harbour of Looe his home for many years. Sadly he died in 2003, and plans began to make a lasting tribute to him.

Jump forward four years and now almost all the Β£24,000 needed for the bronze has been raised, with very little of it coming from public funds.

The internationally-renowned sculptor Suzie Marsh, who lives just outside Liskeard, hasn't charged any fee. Our reporter Michael Taylor went along to meet her:

It is hoped that the life-size bronze sculpture of Nelson will be on the Pennyland Rocks in Looe harbour entrance in the spring / early summer 2008.ΜύThe statue will evoke thoughts of the sea, fishing, wildlife and the environment as well as bringing a smile to the faces of Nelson's many fans.

Suzie and her sculpture

"I am hoping the locals will be pleased with it," says Suzie Marsh. "Nelson was a very much loved creature and the fishermen used to feed and look after him. I hope it will benefit everyone who lives in Looe."Μύ

The Looe Development Trust has been awarded a £6,000 grant to produce a leaflet about the area’s marine heritage and fund school educational trips to the Seal Sanctuary at Gweek.

Also, the project is this week receiving Β£800 from the South East Cornwall Tourism Association.